The relationship between circulating concentration of AMH and LH content in the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations on follicular growth and ovulatory response to superovulation in water buffaloes

The relationship between circulating concentration of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and the LH content of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparation on follicular growth and ovulatory response in water buffaloes was evaluated. A single blood sample was taken from cows (N = 31; age: 9.06 ± 0.98 years) to determine systemic AMH. Animals with concentrations higher or lower than 194 ± 30 pg/ml were placed into LOW and HIGH AMH groups and were assigned randomly to be superovulated FSH containing either a high (FSHp, HLH) or low (Folltropin V, LLH) LH content. Follicular growth and ovulation were monitored using transrectal ultrasonography. In animals with HIGH systemic AMH, treatment with FSH with a high LH content was associated with more small follicles (AMH X FSH; P = 0.02). AMH had no effect on small follicles in animals treated with LLH. Females with a HIGH AMH had greater numbers of small follicles (P = 0.01) and total follicles (P = 0.005) than LOW AMH cows. Animals treated with HLH had more small follicles (P = 0.001) but fewer large (P < 0.001) and total follicles (P = 0.0005) than those treated with LLH. Among animals with HIGH AMH, those treated with LLH, ovulated more follicles than those treated with HLH. (AMH X FSH; P = 0.03). In conclusion, selecting animals with high AMH concentration and the use of FSH preparations with a lower LH content may improve the superovulatory response in water buffaloes.